Simplicity 8529 Toaster Sweater

I bought this pattern a while back, soon after it was available.
Then I set it aside and forgot about it. As it turns out, I’m so glad I bought it because it’s the perfect, quick project to make if you’ve got some sweater knit or sweatshirt fleece in your fabric stash. I’ve seen many versions of this around the internet lately and although I’m no longer ready-to-wear fasting, I haven’t gone out and bought any clothing. I want to use up as much fabric that I have on hand as I can.

So, for the first one which is View A, I used some black sweatshirt fleece that I had. For the cuffs I used a black ribbed knit since I had a piece that was just big enough for the job.

Simplicity 8529 View A

When using sweatshirt fleece, remember that the nubby side is the wrong side (just like a sweatshirt). In fact, I pulled out a sweatshirt I had just to make sure I cut this out the right way.

The side vents not only add style but comfort to the top. As you can see, it’s got a bit of a hi-lo hem. For sewing the vent hems, I used my sewing machines double overlock stitch. You can certainly do this with a serger if you like, I just wanted to use a stitch on my machine that I have rarely used. It worked out perfectly.

The next one I made was View D. This red and black top was made using a ponte knit and more black ribbed knit.

Simplicity 8529 View D

This one is so comfortable. While I’m wearing this one with jeans (Ginger jeans I made here) and the black top with leggings (posted here), different fabric choices could certainly give these tops a completely different look.

“Different fabric choices can give a basic pattern a completely different look”

As you can also see from the pictures, one week can also give pictures a completely different look! You know you’re in for some shoveling when the snow totals keep going up and up as the storm is happening – LOL! But one thing I also realized in making these tops is that I have no accessories, besides scarves, to wear. I guess I never really had much even when I was working full time (just like shoes). So this year, I think I’ll pay more attention to the purchase of some accessories (necklaces and earrings) that can be used to add more interest to my outfits. I’m not talking about anything expensive, I’m going to Target! Then maybe I’ll see about shoes…

*The black sweatshirt fleece was purchased from fabric dot com and can be found here. There’s not much left so hurry if you want this. But they also have it in a variety of other colors that you can access here. Please be advised that these are affiliate links. 

Baby It’s Cold Outside…

Yes it’s cold outside, but I was toasty warm in this jacket I made from McCalls 7026. I basically made view A with view B’s sleeves. I wanted the longer sleeve on this. It also has the thumb hole although I never actually use those. 


I used “performance fleece” for the jacket. It’s supposed to be more of a wicking material so that if you wear it during a workout, you won’t overheat as easily and it will take moisture away from the body. It’s very warm and very soft!


I’m wearing this with the “jeggings” I made with V8859 (highly recommend that pattern). I did have to use some contrasting knit for the facing because I stupidly used some of the fleece for a pair of socks and didn’t realize I needed four fronts. Anyway, it all worked out in the end and I think it’s actually a little more interesting. 

 


So until next time…

Knit Pants – V8859

I made these knit pants a couple of weeks ago. I wasn’t sure about the material since it is very stretchy (basically jeggings material).But I’m so glad I made these. They are as comfortable as yoga pants and aren’t tight.

 

These are dark blue (like jeans). I made the version with the double pleated knees. The only change I made was to use a wider elastic for the waistband. The pattern calls for 3/4″ while I used 1″. For me that just makes for a more comfortable fit. 


While I wouldn’t wear this with the shirt tucked in like this, it’s just to give a better idea of what the back looks like. 

This is quick and easy to make. And, the pattern didn’t require me to make any additional adjustments which is awesome!